LEWIS CROCKER was like a kid on Christmas Eve at today’s weigh-in for his rematch against Paddy Donovan tomorrow night in Belfast.
This is no mere rerun however, Crocker and Donovan will be the first Irishmen to compete against one another for a world title with the winner leaving Windsor Park as the new IBF welterweight champion.
Crocker and Donovan both successfully made weight with each man coming in under the 147lbs limit. All week there have been questions over Crocker’s mindset after his poor performance in the first fight where Donovan outclassed him but was eventually disqualified for an illegal blow in round eight.
During the weigh-in Crocker came to life and was full of energy and excitement telling Donovan “one more sleep” during their face-off.
“Excited. Absolutely excited. Buzzing for tomorrow,” he said afterwards. “One more sleep! I’m gonna do everyone a favour and put that arrogant c*** to sleep.”
Questioned about his fight week demeanour, he said: “Do I look nervous? Do I look nervous? I’m ready for tomorrow.”
“I gotta give it everything tomorrow,” he continued. “I gotta fight my heart out. Everything since I’ve dreamed as a kid I have to show tomorrow. And that’s what I will do.”
Donovan, meanwhile, has spent the fight week activities with an air of confidence believing he expects to beat Crocker and with something to spare.
“Everything is cool, calm and collected,” he said after the weigh-in. “We’re going to get the job done in tremendous fashion tomorrow. I know the true Lewis Crocker and he isn’t gonna beat me.”
Limerick’s Donovan will be the away fighter tomorrow once again as he takes on Belfast’s Crocker in his backyard. He was asked how he plans to deal with the partisan home support.
“As long as I can hear my wife and kids they’re the only crowd I need. The rest can cheer or go against me – it doesn’t really matter. All that matters is what happens in the ring and I’m gonna show why I’m the boss tomorrow.
“You’re gonna see the best of me ever. Tune in tomorrow and watch me shine.”
Full weights for Crocker vs. Donovan 2 plus undercard
(vacant) IBF welterweight title – 12 rounds
Lewis Crocker 146.6lbs
Paddy Donovan 145.7lbs
super-welterweight – 12 rounds
Ishmael Davis 153.5lbs
Caoimhin Agyarko 153.3lbs
welterweight – 10 rounds
Tyrone McKenna 149.5lbs
Dylan Moran 149.8lbs
cruiserweight – 8 rounds
Pat Brown 197.6lbs
Austine Nnamdi 197.6lbs
6 x 2 min rounds – bantamweight
Molly McCann 121.3lbs
Kate Radomska 118lbs
BUI Irish super-bantamweight title – 10 rounds
Ruadhan Farrell 122lbs
Matthew Boreland 121.7lbs
super-bantamweight – 4 rounds
Donagh Keary 125.3lbs
Caine Singh 125.3lbs
middleweight – 8 rounds
Aaron Bowen 163.2lbs
Carlos Miguel Ronner 162.2lbs
super-welterweight – 4 rounds
Kyle Smith 157lbs
Connor Meanwell 155.5lbs
middleweight – 4 rounds
Jim Donovan 159.5lbs
Lukasz Barabasz 163lbs
